Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner each scored 24 points, and Desmond Bane added 23 in his Orlando debut as the Magic defeated the Miami Heat 125-121 on Wednesday night at the Kia Center.
Norman Powell led the Heat with 28 points, while Bam Adebayo recorded 15 points and 12 rebounds, but Miami could not hold a seven-point fourth-quarter lead as Orlando went on a crucial scoring run.
Jalen Suggs, making a surprise start after missing most of last season, contributed 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting and made several key defensive plays late in the fourth quarter, including a steal and layup that cut Miami’s lead to 111-110.
Suggs’ jumper with 58.7 seconds left gave the Magic a lead they would not relinquish, and Wendell Carter Jr.’s free throws with 6.1 seconds remaining sealed the victory. Bane hit three of seven three-pointers, including his first two shots with the team after signing a five-year contract.
Miami led 39-38 after the first quarter, marking the highest-scoring opening quarter in the 143-game history of the intrastate series. Andrew Wiggins scored 18 points, and Davion Mitchell added 16 points with 12 assists. Tyler Herro was sidelined due to left ankle surgery.
The Magic shot 46.7% from the field and 40% from three-point range while outrebounding the Heat 46-37. Wagner contributed four assists, and Carter Jr. grabbed eight boards to help control the paint.
Banchero and Wagner’s scoring, combined with Suggs’ timely plays, allowed Orlando to overcome Miami’s late-game push and secure the opening-night victory. Bane provided scoring off the bench, giving the Magic a balanced offensive attack.
The Heat struggled during a four-minute stretch in the fourth quarter without a field goal, allowing Orlando to take control. Powell, Adebayo, and Wiggins could not find enough consistency from the floor to regain the lead.
Orlando hosts the Atlanta Hawks on Friday, while Miami travels to Memphis to face the Grizzlies the same night.
